Rough opener for Boomers

AVON, Ohio — The 2013 Frontier League champion Schaumburg Boomers opened their title defense with an 11-3 road loss to the Lake Erie Crushers on Friday night.

The Boomers quickly fell behind 3-0, but rallied to tie. Consecutive run-scoring infield singles from Michael Valadez and Sean Mahley (2 hits) in the fourth inning brought the Boomers within a run, and Brian McConkey evened the game with a fielder's choice in the fifth before the Crushers pulled away.

The Boomers had 7 hits and 9 walks but struck out 15 times.

Game 2 is today at 6:05 p.m. when Boomers right-hander Charlie Rosario opposes lefty Connor Whelan.